News>Tuskegee Airman takes part in promotion ceremony of next generation Airman

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MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash.- Leonard and Alma Scott pin new rank insignias on their daughter, Lt. Col. Kimberly Scott, 728th Airlift Squadron here, during her promotion ceremony Oct. 3. Colonel Scott's pinning on ceremony included not only members of her immediate family, but also members of the Tuskegee Airmen. Retired Lt. Col. Edward Drummond administered the oath of office. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Grant Saylor)

MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash.- Retired Lt. Col. Edward Drummond, an original member of the Tuskegee Airmen, administers the oath of office to Lt. Col. Kimberly Scott, 728th Airlift Squadron, during her promotion ceremony here Oct. 3. Colonel Scott, a Reservist with the 446th Airlift Wing at McChord, is the only current rated female African American C-17 pilot in the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Force photo/Staff Sgt. Grant Saylor)

10/4/2009 - MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The past and future met Oct. 3 in a promotion ceremony that bridged two generations of American heroes.

Retired Lt. Col. Edward Drummond, a Tuskegee Airman who flew the B-25 bomber and P-47 Thunderbolt during a 25-year Air Force career, administered the oath of office to Kimberly Scott during her promotion ceremony to lieutenant colonel. Colonel Scott, a Reservist with the 728th Airlift Squadron here, is the only current rated female African American C-17 pilot in the U.S. Air Force.

"I have a deep sense of gratitude for the Tuskegee Airmen and the legacy they have etched for me," said Colonel Scott. "They've mentored, encouraged, and supported me over the years, so it's incredibly meaningful to me to have been sworn in by Colonel Drummond."

Colonel Drummond, 82, said he was equally honored to be a part of the ceremony celebrating the achievements of a modern day Tuskegee Airman.

"I can't tell you how proud I am that she's doing so well," said Colonel Drummond. "Tuskegee Airmen who have passed on are no doubt looking down and smiling at what has transpired to make it possible for young folks like Kimberly to be successful in the military."

Colonels Scott and Drummond are members of the Seattle-area Sam Bruce Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen. The chapter is dedicated to providing scholarships for deserving youth and sharing the story of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Saturday's pinning-on ceremony was attended by Colonel Scott's family and friends, along with several of her fellow Airmen from the 728th AS.

"This was a momentous day for me so I was nervous," said Colonel Scott. "But I'm also happy and grateful to Colonel Drummond for taking time to support me and the 446th Airlift Wing."

Colonel Drummond, who served as Operations Officer for the 318th Fighter Squadron at McChord AFB in 1961-62, was quick to shine the spotlight back on Colonel Scott.

"We are so happy that we inspired her, but we don't want to distract from her pinning on ceremony," said Colonel Drummond. "This is Kimberly's day."